Okay - I think this trip would work. Still working on dates, but I'm thinking mid to late July to mid August.

Taylor, this trip should have good fishing from day 1. Long Lake early on is known for big Browns & Rainbows - not as much for numbers & it does get pressure, so they aren't always willing to bite easily. Beyond that, though, the other lakes before Bishop Pass have very willing brook trout among other species. At one inlet, I caught a brookie, a rainbow & a brown on 3 consecutive casts.

Over Bishop Pass in Dusy Basin is the chance for goldens & rainbow-golden hybrids, possibly large fish.

From there it's new territory for me, but the streams & meadows promise excellent fishing & breathtaking scenery, framed by striking peaks. It's one of the most beautiful stretches of the JMT - Big Pete Meadow & Evolution Valley further North. A couple lakes, too - not sure how they fish.

Then Darwin Bench & Lakes, with golden trout & the chance for some big fish if timing & luck are with us.

Cary, I have been dreaming doing this route for years. If you would be so kind as to let me crash your party, I would be quite greatful! However if the dates are the last week of July then I would not be able to attend due to Work commitments. However, DO NOT schedule this around my schedule, this is your trip. But any date that would include the 2nd-3rd week in July or the first two weeks of August I'd love to attend. I could even provide transportation too.

Cary, thank you for your graciousness. Pick a date and I am there. The sooner the better for me due to filling out a vacation request form for work. No big deal on that one, but earlier the better. July 8th could be real nice up there. I'd suspect that there would still be snow on the passes, so ice axes would be in order, and possibly crampons? July 8th would be cool. How many days do you think. One to car camp, Darwine Bench, Evolution Valley, Dusy Basin, and then out?

seems like instead of camping somewhere en-route, we could drive to bishop & then go in to one of the earlier lakes (before bishop pass) - only means one more dinner & breakfast to carry (i suggest trout)

Cary did you get an exact day or will they let you know on any of those 3 different days. If there is a concrete day to start, I will fill out the paperwork (just a formality) for the time off. Stoked!

I expect good chance of thunder & lightning and afternoon storms with potentially heavy rains & wind - we will be within sight of thunderbolt peak part of the trip afterall. years ago, my dad found 2 hikers dead in their tent on dusy basin side of bishop pass - they'd been fried by lightning.

I expect the fish to be on the bite - that is one of the best parts about going in July.

Being on the Sierra Crest, that is the chance you take with lightening. I have been in some interesting moments with T-Storms. Mosquitos will be a problem, but not at 10,000+ my thoughts anhyways. Bob sounds like you are interested in attending?????

I am considering the matter. As you may know, I recently discovered that I have a problem with hips and knees. Especially since I really do not yet know my limitations, if any, I want to ensure that going on this trip would be the right thing to do.